COST OF HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION IN INDIA

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the definite cure for many hematological diseases. With the increasing indications for HSCT and its relatively low cost in Indian subcontinent, an increasing number of patients are opting for this procedure. We retrospectively analyzed the cost of one hundred sixty two HSCTs done at our center in the last three years. The median cost of autologous transplant was INR 7,52,294 (USD, $ 12,500) (range INR 6,19,850-14,17,212) and the median cost of allogenic transplant was INR 10,74,881 ($18,000) (range INR 6,49,944-23,82,227). The cost of HSCT is cheaper here compared to that in developed countries and success rates are nearly equivalent. The major factors contributing to the cost are related to the complications post-transplant mainly infections and graft versus host disease, which are also the reasons for the increased stay in the hospital.